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Mrs Wood then read from a victim impact statement that Ms Smith had provided on the day of the assault.

“With everything that has happened to me in the past, this has brought back painful memories. I do not know how someone could be so nasty to someone they don't know.

“It was the hardest blow I have ever felt in my life.”

Mrs Wood then told the judge that Bull was in breach of a previous suspended prison term.

“That was imposed for a different offence” she said. “It was dangerous driving, and the sentence was imposed on 30 November 2014. He received 18 weeks custody suspended. He has four previous convictions for nine offences.”

The judge noted that “he started when he was at school, he burnt down the maths block.”

Mrs Wood continued “this falls at the top end, greater harm, due to vulnerability of the victim, and greater culpability. The starting point is eighteen months custody with a range of one to three years.”

The judge said that he had read a psychiatrist's report about Bull, and Joe Maloney, defending, said that Bull had also written a letter for the judge.

“He is appalled by what he has done. He has seen the CCTV” said Mr Maloney.

The judge said “His previous convictions are not largely for violence. However he has this deep seated anger. He needs to find out what is making him so angry.”

Mr Maloney said “He has a troubled background.”

The judge noted from the report that there was “a very disrupted personality disorder. He is what he is. An angry young man, who probably doesn't understand why he is so angry.”

Mr Maloney told the judge that Bull had spent 153 days on curfew prior to sentence, and that therefore that would mean he qualified to have 76 days deducted from any prison sentence.

“He has pleaded guilty” Mr Maloney said “and been in custody since 28 June. He apologises for his reckless and unacceptable behaviour. He has had time to pause and reflect on his position. He is realistic that this passes the custody threshold.”

Sentencing Bull to the ten month jail term, the judge said “On the night in question you were a very angry young man, and this is not the first time. On this occasion you picked on a particularly vulnerable lady.

“She was sitting on the ground, causing no harm. You bullied her. You scattered her items around the street, and then punched her, very hard.

“This case crosses the custody threshold, and it was committed whilst on a suspended sentence order.

“When you are released from custody you will be on licence, that should be an opportunity for you to address your issues.